Ape Escape: Pumped & Primed

The original Ape Escape was released in 1999 had been the first platform game to successfully implement the dual analog controller.  To think it all began with a few monkeys that escaped from an amusement park!  Made slightly smarter through the equipping of the professor’s peak point helmets, these Pipo Monkeys and their diabolical monkey master Specter have since had it out for all human kind. However it’s time for the High-Tech Tournament and a new evil has emerged with hidden agendas and diabolical plans in mind. An evil so powerful and malevolent that it will take the combined efforts of the original cast, along with the Pipo Monkeys and Pipotron (a new group of mysterious monkeys) to save the world.

With the release of Pumped and Primed, little aside from the games characters, gadgets, and creditable controls remain the same. In case you have been hiding under a rock, or for some far out reason have neglected to play Ape Escape 1 and 2, here’s the low down. It’s all about reflexes and how you use your various tools. Ape Escape offers a number of characters to choose from. The only dilemma is that no matter who you choose, each and every characters gadgets work the same. Your character will be supplied with an assortment of gadgets including a Stun Club, Dragonfly, Slingshot, Dash Hoop, and RC Car.

If you’re wondering what a Stun Club is, it looks similar to a Jedi sword and is controlled through the use of the right analog stick. The Dragonfly works similar to a helicopter blade and allows for slow falling and an extra initial lift! The Slingshot is perhaps the most powerful and shoots various bullets depending on which version you have equipped. The Dash Hoop allows for extremely quick movement with the rotation of the right analog stick and works great when attempting to flee intense battles. Finally, the RC Car is controlled like a second character by using the right analog stick.  It is first summoned through the tapping of R3 and can explode inflicting decent damage when R3 is pressed again.

To accommodate the games assorted gadgets, Ape Escape Pumped and Primed boasts five central modes of play. The most basic mode of play is annihilation. Whether playing alone or with a friend, you must take advantage of your various gadgets and monkey friends to defeat your opponents before they defeat you. The second mode of play is coin collecting. Accumulate coins as they fall throughout the level and gain points corresponding to the numbers on the coins. Similar to the Sonic games, when damage is dealt, the player who suffered the blow will drop a percentage of their coins. Perhaps the simplest mode is a straightforward race to the finish. In the two remaining modes, your character is placed within either a Tank or Watermech (A kickboard like underwater machine) and supplied with missiles in which to destroy your opponent.

Though a games graphics don’t determine the worth of a game, many gamers have become accustomed to sharp graphics and extravagant music. Regrettably, Ape Escape Pumped and Primed offers little in either category. The games cell shaded characters are empty arenas are best described as modest. Fortunately, the games anime’esk characters and straightforward level design go together surprisingly well and are remarkably easy on the eyes.

Ultimately, it’s tough to watch a series as brilliant and addictive as the original Ape Escape be turned into another title consisting of nothing more than a collection of mini-games. Hopefully Ubisoft hasn’t turned their back on the original platforming, and will strive to continue the franchise in both directions. To sum it all up, Pumped and Primed is an entertaining game that is most enjoyable (just as all other multiplayer games) with a friend or two or three. 

Gameplay: 6.5
Ape Escape: Pumped and Primed is definitely a game that becomes more enjoyable as the number of players increases. Unfortunately, the limited supply of play-modes causes the game to feel rather monotonous when played alone.

Graphics: 6.7 
Simplicity in style, the cell shaded characters fit nicely within the 3D environments. Unfortunately, the games split-screen and quad-screen modes detract greatly from the player’s ability to realize what’s going on.

Sound: 7.2
Pumped and Primed sports a simple and rather catchy music collection. With an almost happy-go-lucky feel, it’s difficult to get angry at the game even when losing.

Difficulty: Easy
With a learning curve of approximately five minutes, Pumped and Primed can be enjoyed by even the most casual of gamers.  

Concept: 7.5 
Though attempting to thwart malicious monkeys from destroying the world is a concept unique to Ape Escape, multiplayer races and battles are not. 

Multiplayer: 7.8
The ability to play with up to 3 friends is unquestionably the best thing going for it.

Overall: 7.0
Ape Escape’s fun and intuitive gameplay is a definite bonus to the multiplayer/mini-game genre. Unfortunately, due to the games short supply of play modes, Pumped and Primed suffers from a disappointing degree of lasting appeal.  Though party tournaments are fun, having titles such as Super Monkey Ball and Mario Party are a must for any who plan to play for an extended amount of time.